Michael Vick Lobbies for Bill Protecting Pets in Hot Cars

Animal advocacy groups might have found an unlikely ally in Michael Vick.

The Steelers quarterback, who spent two years in prison for running a dogfighting ring, met with Pennsylvania representatives to lend his voice in support of a law that would give officers permission to rescue pets from hot cars, reports ESPN.

“I know that I’m an unlikely advocate,” Vick said in a statement. “I was part of the problem. Now, my perspective can help reach people that activists can’t reach. I can help others become agents of change.”

Since his incarceration, Vick has been vocal regarding animal rights, and in 2014, he came out in support of the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act.

“All animals require kindness and respect,” Vick said in the statement. “They depend on us, like children depend on us. Many animal welfare bills across the nation do no get enough attention to pass. We can change that.”